The Entrepreneurial Journey of Ashleigh Goodchild: Insights from a Property Management Powerhouse

Thank you to Rebecca Halton for being the host for a recent podcast where the tables turned, and Ashleigh Goodchild was the guest. The public sent through anonymous questions they were curious about. We explore her multifaceted journey in real estate, her entrepreneurial spirit, and how she juggles the demanding roles of a working mom.

From Naturopathy to Real Estate: A Pivot Point

Ashleigh's story is not your typical career trajectory. She began her post-school life immersed in the study of naturopathy, only to find herself supplementing her studies with a job at a Century 21 office in Fremantle. This job was not just a means to an end; it was the gateway to her passion for property management and real estate. Ashleigh's pivot from naturopathy to real estate is a testament to the unexpected paths our careers can take and how they can lead us to our true calling.

The Birth and Growth of SOCO Property Management

Curious about the inception of SOCO Property Management, I asked Ashleigh to recount the early days and growth of her business. Starting from scratch with a small business loan, Ashleigh and her team managed to build a portfolio of 200 properties. An acquisition of another agency's portfolio further accelerated their growth, leading to a family-like business environment that now boasts management of over a thousand properties. Ashleigh's journey with SOCO is a shining example of organic growth and the power of strategic business decisions.

Fostering Industry Collaboration: PM Collective and Property Profiling

Ashleigh's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop with SOCO. About 4 years ago, she founded PM Collective, a platform born out of informal coffee catch-ups with fellow business owners seeking her advice. This evolved into a collaborative space for property managers to share insights and support one another, fostering a sense of community within the industry.

In addition to PM Collective, Ashleigh saw a need for a resource hub and thus created Property Profiling. This platform serves as a knowledge-sharing space, offering valuable insights and best practices to help property managers excel in their roles. Both initiatives highlight Ashleigh's commitment to elevating the industry through collaboration and education.

The Work-Mom-Entrepreneur Hack

Juggling multiple projects and a bustling family life is no small feat. When asked about her biggest hack for managing these responsibilities, Ashleigh emphasized the importance of not sweating the small stuff. Prioritization is key, and sometimes it's necessary to step back and find a tilt rather than a balance. Her approach is about being okay with the ebb and flow of life's demands, a lesson many of us can apply to our own lives.

Reflections on the Role of a BDM

Reflecting on her role as a BDM, Ashleigh shared a valuable lesson: the importance of recognizing when to delegate and bring in expertise to support business growth. If she could do one thing differently, it would be hiring a BDM sooner, viewing it as an investment rather than an expense. This insight is crucial for any entrepreneur looking to scale their business effectively.

Her journey from a student of naturopathy to a real estate entrepreneur, her dedication to industry collaboration, and her pragmatic approach to work-life integration offer invaluable lessons for us all. Whether you're an aspiring business owner, a property manager, or a working parent, Ashleigh's experiences remind us that with passion, collaboration, and smart prioritization, we can achieve remarkable growth and success.

To find out what questions the public wanted to ask Ash to get to know here better, tune into the podcast.